Wetton & Downes - Icon 3

[GBuddah]

Ja, es ist soweit. Der ASIA-Ableger ICON in Form von John Wetton und Geoffrey Downes veröffentlicht bereits sein drittes, offizielles Studio-Album unter dem neuen Banner. "Icon 3" nennt sich das gute Stück, was nicht gerade innovativ oder ähnliches ist, und trotzdem kann der geneigte Fan zum dritten Mal bedenkenlos nach einer ICON-Scheibe greifen, denn als Fan der beiden Ausnahme-Musiker weiß man, was man geboten bekommt.

Die dritte Auflage bietet feinsten Melodic Rock ohne jegliche Kompromisse. Und seien wir ehrlich: Etwas anderes erwartet man doch auch gar nicht von den Herren, oder? Angefangen beim geschmeidigen Opener "Twice The Man I Was", über das ultra-eingängige "Destiny" bis hin zum textlich eher ungewohnt härteren "Sex, Power and Money", das zwar lyrisch nicht unbedingt hochklassig ist, aber in punkto Produktion sehr kraftvoll daher kommt.

John Wetton singt noch immer hervorragend und Geoffrey Downes hat seine weißen und schwarzen Tasten sämtlich unter Kontrolle. "Icon 3" ist kein langweiliges, aber auch kein wirklich berauschendes Album. Mit dem Zweitlingswerk "Icon II" hat der Rummel um das halbherzige Comeback der Jungs schon ein wenig nachgelassen und mit diesem Werk wird die Begeisterung wahrscheinlich noch ein wenig mehr sinken, doch trotz allem muss man neidlos anerkennen, dass es ICON wirklich drauf haben, gutklassige Melodien zu schreiben.

Die Rhythmen und Linien gehen sofort ins Ohr und den einen oder anderen Song kann man gleich postwendend mitsingen. Und genau so soll guter Melodic Rock doch sein! Wetton und Downes legen mit "Icon 3" einen guten, aber nicht wirklich überwältigenden Nachfolger zu ihren ersten beiden Studioalben ab. Eingängiger Rock, super geeignet zum nebenbei hören und um gute Laune zu schaffen...

http://www.stormbringer.at/reviews.php?id=3529

John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes cut their musical teeth on English church music as young
boys, each was gifted with an ear for a good tune, be it ABBA or the Beach Boys. Their musical
careers developed soon with John playing and singing with KING CRIMSON and UK, while
Geoff got enormous exposure with the BUGGLES” massive hit “Video Killed The Radio Star”
in 1979, later on joining the latest incarnation of YES for the release of “Drama”.
Like a "bolt from the blue", lightning struck in 1981 when they came together in Asia, a band
that epitomized the MTV friendly power rock explosion in the 80”s. Asia”s eponymous release
was the best selling album in the world in 1982, number 1 in the USA for 9 weeks, turning gold
and platinum on every continent. The second and third Asia albums were also big sellers
worldwide and enjoyed several hit singles. Unfortunately, messers Wetton and Downes went
their separate ways in 1985 and since then Asia has been through several incarnations.
Still – during the years - there was a consistent demand that Geoff and John should recreate the
exceptional foundation upon which the Asia pyramid had been formed. Their paths crossed
again for the first time since 1990, when they graced the same stage together during 2002”s
John Wetton fan convention in Philadelphia. Geoff consequently contributed to the writing and
playing on Wetton”s 2003 solo album, “Rock of Faith” and it became clear that the two had
some unfinished business.
During 2004 they finally entered the studio with ideas and energy, sat round the same piano
upon which they had written the 1980s anthems, and emerged with the first album of their
renewed partnership christened “iCon”.

The album was easily their best artistic product for many years and immediately became very
popular among the fans. John and Geoff have therefore decided to pursue this collaboration,
giving birth to another album “Rubicon”, which followed a very busy year made up of one EP,
one acoustic album/DVD and one live album recorded during a series of successful European
dates from October 2005 to spring 2006. A reunion of the original Asia line up occurred in a
September 2006 USA tour, and Asia has toured the world in 2007 and 2008.
Fans and critics alike have embraced the music of John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes, whose
songwriting formed much of the fabric of 2008”s successful Asia original lineup reunion release,
“Phoenix”. The two took advantage of a short break from international touring to write and
record their third studio album. The cover art is based on the OM symbol, a universal icon, not
specific to one religion, and means “everything,” reflecting the diverse nature of the album”s
material.
On this new record, the pure power of Geoff Downes” keyboards and John Wetton”s
jaw-dropping voice and stellar bass playing are enhanced by compelling guitar virtuoso Dave
Kilminster, fresh from successful tours with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson. Former ELO
Cellist Hugh McDowell, whose unique sound has helped frame all three iCon studio releases, is
once again involved. Rounding out the band is Pete Riley, considered one of the “best
drummers in the world”, whose work with Keith Emerson, Kilminster and extensive live and
session work shows an extraordinary breadth and depth of style.
Renowned new age harpist Andreas Vollenweider added his unique sound to the third iCon
album playing on “Raven”” and “Anna”s Kiss”” while acclaimed vocalist Anne-Marie Helder
(Karnataka, Mostly Autumn) appears as special guest on vocals.
John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes are pleased to be able to respond to fan and critical demand
by returning to the studio to create this new album and then to share it live with these
outstanding players.
Line-up:
John Wetton– vocals, bass
Geoff Downes – keyboards
with
Dave Kilminster - guitar
Hugh McDowell - cello
Pete Riley – drums
Special guests:
Andreas Wollenweider – harp
Anne-Marie Helder – female voice

Frontiers

Was soll ich sagen ... ein sehr "schönes" Melodic-Rock-Album !

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icon_(Band)

[Wizz21]

Jepp, cooles Album!